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Tarasenko sustained dislocated shoulder in final game

by
Chris Pinkert
/ St. Louis Blues

UPDATE: Vladimir Tarasenko had reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder on Wednesday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Rick Wright, Dr. Matt Matava and Dr. Matt Smith at Washington University Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield. Tarasenko will be re-evaluated at training camp in September.

ST. LOUIS - Vladimir Tarasenko said he will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a dislocated shoulder.

Tarasenko was injured in the first period of the final game of the season in Colorado and did not return.

"When (the pain) didn't go away (after) 10-15 seconds, you know it was something serious," Tarasenko said Tuesday. "I'm really upset it happened in the most important game of the year, but it was a bad feeling to be in the locker room while the guys fought for a (playoff) spot."

Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong commented about Tarasenko's injury during a press conference with Head Coach Mike Yeo on Tuesday morning at Scottrade Center.

"(With surgery) it will be an injury a lot like (Patrik) Berglund had, a lot like (Zach) Sanford had. Unfortunately, we have time on our side to heal that," Armstrong said. "Shoulder surgeries are usually four to six months. That will get us right to the start of training camp or certainly by the start of the season."

Tarasenko played in 80 games this season, ranking first on the team in goals (33) and second in points (66).